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Goodbye Clutter!

Clear the Clutter Before Baby Arrives

By Kathy Waddill

:

• You have boxes stacked on top of each other in all your storage spaces;
• You've got a year's worth of photographs stashed in numerous drawers and closets, sitting next to empty photograph albums;
• There's never a pen or notepad by the telephone when you need it;
• There are food and drink stains on the carpet around the chairs in your family room;
• Your office doesn't have a single functioning file drawer;
• There's a pile of books and/or magazines on the floor next to every bed;
• There are always wet towels sitting in a soggy lump on the bathroom floor;
• Shoes are in a jumble at the bottom of all the closets.
• You don't like to put things away in your drawers because you can't see them;
• There's a pile of bills in the kitchen or family room because you pay them them there instead of in your office;

Do any of these sound like you? Then you could be suffering from the insidious effects of bad tools and containers. Here are some tips to help you select the tools and containers that best fit your unique set of requirements:

• Make sure your furniture supports your activities. If you can't store things, select furniture with storage space. If your seating is uncomfortable or inadequate, replace it. Don't let your furniture keep you from functioning efficiently;
• Next to every seat and bed, make sure there's a flat surface that can hold such items as drinks and plates. Have enough end tables and coffee tables for everyone;
• At your main entrances, make sure there's a place to put things that are on their way in or out. Create a "staging area" using a cupboard, bookcase, or basket to prevent this spot from degenerating into a big pile;
• Use patterned runners and throw rugs in your kitchen and bathrooms to catch drips;
• Make sure your household has a functioning desk. This is an essential organizing tool.

Want to see more?

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• Get Answers to Your Home Style Questions!